The idea that stones have character and souls is lovely. It is also good to know that bell crickets are set free in such a marvelous historic place amid the stones and flowers. This tradition would be unique in my part of the world. We keep birds in cages and fish in bowls but crickets usually are left to their own devices outdoors in coastal BC. Their sound is perhaps not quite as sweet as that of the bell cricket. Oddly enough, I found a very sleepy cricket just yesterday near my front door beneath the pillow of my patio chair so I dropped it into the garden. I hope that’s lucky. :)

Thank you, Penelope, for your comment, which made me realize my mistake. I have to apologize my carelessness and correct. “My husband and I let the most of the bell crickets free into the garden ….” was misleading. I should’ve written “.. into our garden” instead of “into the garden”. And I should’ve added “at home….” at the beginning of the sentence to show that place changed from the temple to my garden. I corrected that part in my post just now.

Dear Yoko!Have I told you about the invisible link between us? It does exist! Haven't been to your blog for quite a while and came today, just in time! We (my husband and I) enjoyed a walk as if we were with you, thank you! I love bluebells – this is our name for Japanese bell-flowers. They are so unpretentious and gorgeous at that. Our autumn is more rapid: the trees have mostly changed colour – oaks, maples, birches; and poplars have already lost their leaves. The leaf fall is on the way. You welcome October with an open heart and I feel a bit sad. Wish you warm, bright and colorful days, take care!Irina

Hello Yoko - what a delightful, peaceful, and serene place the precints around the Gango-ji Temple are.There is definitely a feeling of change in the weather here too as we venture into October.I love the fact that you and your husband give the bell crickets a protective environment in which to breed and then release them into your garden.

In the post, I added a link to the website about bell crickets which explains how to rear them in the insect cage just now.

As to the bell crickets after being released into my garden, they would enjoy the taste of freedom, but they have to live on their own with the risk being killed by natural enemies outside. we like to hear their chirping in chorus with other singing insects while eating supper at the roofed deck. Those left in the cage have no troubles with food (mainly eggplant) and sing longer though their singing get muted day by day as autumn deepens.

These are some fascinating glimpses into your world. I always enjoy your wonderful flora and today is no exception! But I also like the Buddhist statues, and while I don't think they have a "soul," I do like the calmness they suggest. :)

It's been a really hot summer here and it's not over yet, but we hope to get some changes soon.

Thanks so much for all you nice comments. You say such wonderful things that make me feel very good!

I like thinking of the Bell Crickets singing in your garden, Yoko. The metal sculpture reminds me of primitive pictographs found carved in stone in the wild from the Native people of America. It is a very spiritual experience to come upon them. The flowers you have blooming now are very delicate. My own gardens have gone to seed, allowing me to dream of new blooms for next summer.

It was also in September that we went to Japan last year and, yes, it was quite rainy. And quite a different adventure! I love how the colors in the second photo compliment each other. And at the same time, very symbolic of the changing of seasons. What I want to experience in Japan is autumn and full spring :)

Wooow, Yoko! 秋の訪れ _aki no otozure_,the autumn arrival in Japan, meets marvelous in your blog with all that that you show and write. Your photos, since of custom they are wonderful and it gives taste to get lost in his contemplation. Equally I enjoy the texts that accompany them. It did not know the type of cricket that you show us. Undoubtedly, it is not own of these latitudes. So I have read with great curiosity the link that you contribute and have searched more on him. Not only I have met on a lot of information to near this insect, if not that I have had the great luck of finding this little of Japanese with whom I have wanted to surprise you initially of my comment.

Hello Yoko! October is rainy and cloudy, as well, in here. You're so right saying :" season is moving forward"... it was like yesterday, a hot summer with lovely blooms and now, it so pretty cold... Such lovely autumn flowers in your fantastic photos; and interesting aspects and discoveries on that peaceful alley. Many thanks for sharing them with us! Have a very cosy and sunny october! Best regards! Alexa

Welcome to my Blog

Welcome to my blog, and my world! I’m a Japanese, born and raised in Kobe, a cosmopolitan port city, and now living in Nara, the cradle of Japanese culture. I'm happy to share things and places I love with you and exchange ideas and thoughts. Thank you for stopping by and taking time.

Hakuba Village, Nagano

Oide Suspension Bridge

Rainbows on earth

Lilies at Maishima Island

Winter pond reflection

Saho River, Nara

the sea of Kobe westward

Danny's Christmas tree

Outward from the Home Planet

The Earth reminded us of a Christmas tree ornament hanging in the blackness of space. As we got farther and farther away it diminished in size. Finally it shrank to the size of a marble, the most beautiful marble you can imagine. That beautiful, warm, living object looked so fragile, so delicate, that if you touched it with a finger it would crumble and fall apart. Seeing this has to change a man, has to make a man appreciate the creation of God and the love of God.
- James Irwin -

The Blue Marble via Wikimedia

from my son's wedding album

The Little Church

If you want your dream to be
Build it slow and surely.
Small beginnings, greater ends.
Heartfelt work grows purely.

If you want to live life free,
Take your time, go slowly.
Do few things, but do them well.
Simple joys are holy.

Isui-en Garden

About Me

I am a Japanese, non-native speaker of English, who likes to think about things and express them in English. I named my handle name "Stardust." I'm consisted of particles, like a stardust, drifting in space, hoping to shine with her spirit burning bright someday. Still, such particles feel and think on this planet -- what a mystery, what a wonder, what a blessing!
My icon lotus flower symbolizes "spiritual growth from the muddy darkness to the light of the sun".